Big Sewickley Creek VFD Receives Pet Oxygen Masks

When fires happen, flames and smoke can put pets at risk too.

Thanks to the Invisible Fence Brand, the  has added a critical component to its emergency supplies to help save the lives of animals in emergency situations.

John Mozdzien of Invisible Fence Brand of Western Pennsylvania delivered two kits Monday containing six oxygen masks, along with bandages and other first-aid pet materials, as a donation to the department.

The donations are a part of the brand's "Project Breathe" which was established with a goal to equip every fire station in the United States and Canada with pet oxygen masks. More than 10,000 masks have been donated to fire stations with more than 50 pets saved. 

Fire Chief Dennis Young said the pet oxygen masks and medical supplies will be stored on two of the department’s four fire trucks.

“Hopefully we don’t have to use them,” Young said.

Natalie Young, QRS captain, along with three members Arlene Sieg, Kristine Mutz and Jullian Mancuso took classes and were certified in pet CPR and first aid. Young said she learned about the grant and applied for one, which was approved.

John Mozdzien gave a demonstration to the Big Sewickley’s firefighters and first responders on how the masks work for various animal sizes.

“We even put snakes on there,” John Mozdzien said, referring to the smallest of the masks, a comment that received both laughter and groans.

Dennis Young reminded the room that animals in need -- including snakes -- will likely be lethargic.

“If the animal’s at a point where we feel it needs oxygen, chances are it’s not going to be in a mood to fight,” Dennis Young said.

The department currently has 27 active members, eight of whom have joined the Bell Acres department within the last two years. 

Dennis Young said there have been instances when the department has responded in the borough or to nearby municipalities where animals were also in need of treatment. He said a dog had to be rushed to the veterinary hospital years ago from a house fire in neighboring Economy. And several years back when a woman and her cat were viciously attacked by a rabid raccoon, he said the cat went unconscious while rescuers sped to the vet hospital.

The donation from Invisible Fence also includes a guide book on animals referencing instructions on how to do CPR, treat poisonings, choking, bleeding and other situations.